This is Saudi Arabia’s first ground offensive in Yemen since it launched an extensive military campaign in March targeting Houthi positions.

The sources told Anadolu Agency that Saudi Arabian troops advanced into Saada province after Houthi militants recently stormed Saudi positions in the southern Saudi province of Jizan.

“Saudi ground forces seized control of two areas in Saada province and intend to advance toward Houthi positions,” sources said.

Yemen descended into chaos last September, when the Houthis overran capital Sanaa and other provinces, prompting Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies to launch a massive air campaign against the Shia group, which has led to the killing of hundreds of civilians. Human Rights Watch has accused Saudi-led air forces of using cluster bombs.

Pro-Hadi forces – backed by Saudi-led air power – have managed recently to retake Aden and Taiz from the Houthis.